Sophia Banner
WHO ARE YOU AND WHAT DO YOU DO?
My name is Sophia and I am a primary school teacher. The gym and keeping fit has been a big part of my life since lockdown I would say. I think we can all admit we needed to get out of the house! Before lockdown I did go to the gym but mainly just to use the treadmill as the weights area scared me. After lockdown I got a PT who built my confidence and encouraged me to start lifting weights. As time has moved on, I have branched into lots of different sports (boxing, football, hybrid workout, climbing) and I am just enjoying a mix right now.
WHAT IS YOUR MISSION?
All I ask of myself is to be the best I can be. No challenge is impossible if you put the work in.
WHAT ARE YOUR FUTURE GOALS?
I really hope I can mix my passion of fitness and teaching to inspire children and young adults to move their bodies however they wish. We are all unique and different but we are all talented, we just might not have found our talent yet.
WHY DID YOU CHOOSE TO BE PART OF TEAM IF?
I have so many things I could say for this one but as soon as I tried their protein shakes I needed to know more about the product because it tasted incredible. The whey protein only contains 3/4 ingredients which in this industry I believe is pretty uncommon. Protein shakes used to leave me feeling bloated until I tried IF whey. It doesn’t feel like the values of the company are just words on a website — they’re built into the way the product is designed, how it’s used, and the impact it has on customers.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE IF SUPPLEMENT AND WHY?
It has to be the whey protein for me. There’s a strong emphasis on quality, transparency, and doing things the right way, which really aligns with my own values. Whey protein is something people rely on for their health and performance, so integrity matters. I appreciate that the product focuses on clean ingredients, high standards, and delivering real nutritional value rather than cutting corners or relying on hype. That shows a genuine commitment to supporting customers’ goals in a responsible way.
HOW DOES THIS PRODUCT FIT INTO YOUR DAILY ROUTINE?
I tend to have a shake mid-morning after a workout to help aid recovery. I also freeze the protein shakes in my Ninja Creami to make the best protein ice cream as a treat after tea.
HAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE WORKOUT OR TRAINING STYLE?
My training style has changed a lot since I first started. Now I enjoy a mix of everything because why stick to just one sport! I do enjoy a challenge so I do look forward to Sunday Hyrox classes as this really pushes me. I also sign myself up for a lot of running races so getting the training in for the distances is important too.
WHAT MOTIVATES YOU TO STAY CONSISTENT WITH YOUR FITNESS AND WELLBEING?
Nothing happens overnight right, so understanding that this is a long-term investment, not a short term goal. I like showing up for myself every day, knowing that this is work towards something great. Having this mindset helped me so much when training for my ultra marathon.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE QUOTE OR MANTRA?
Progress, not perfection.
Again, it’s about those small, daily habits that contribute to success.
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO SOMEONE STARTING THEIR FITNESS JOURNEY?
Firstly, mindset matters so you have to start believing you will become the person you want to be. Then, think about the small, daily steps that will help you to get there. Nothing comes easy but make sure these steps are achievable and don’t require too much demand. You will need to be realistic and not hard on yourself when you go slightly off track. That’s okay!!
HOW DO YOU AIM TO INSPIRE OR SUPPORT OTHERS THROUGH YOUR PLATFORM?
I just want to show people that it is possible. I get to work just before 8 which could easily be an excuse but instead I get up at 5 and get myself to the gym. It’s hard but it sets me up for the day and makes me feel good. I hope that I can act as an example for busy people like myself.
WHERE CAN PEOPLE LEARN MORE ABOUT WHAT YOU DO?